The Frenchman was bought in by Spurs for around £12million from Lyon during the summer transfer window but has not been able to displace American veteran Brad Friedel in Andre Villas-Boas' first team.

However, Barthez is of the belief that Lloris, who kept a clean sheet on debut in the Europa League against Lazio last night, is a supreme gloveman compared to Friedel and will rightly justify his pricetag as soon as he is given the opportunity.

"Lloris is one of the five best goalkeepers in the world," the ex-Marseille, Monaco and Les Bleus shot-stopper.

"He is faster than Friedel, he jumps higher, and he is very strong mentally. What is happening now is incomprehensible, but I am not concerned. He will become the centre-piece for the club.

"Hugo is a calm guy, a good worker. Tottenham will not let him stay on the bench for a long time."